Italy

Italy reached the USA 1994 final driven by Roberto Baggio, who had saved the Azzurri time and again: decisive goals against Nigeria, Spain, and Bulgaria in the knockout rounds. In the final at the Rose Bowl, a tight, exhausting match finished 0-0 the first goalless final in history. In the shootout, Franco Baresi missed the opener. When it fell to Baggio with the score against him and the weight of the world on his shoulders his shot sailed over the crossbar. The image of Baggio alone, motionless, hands on hips, head bowed at the penalty spot, is perhaps the most heartbreaking photograph in football history. The man who had carried Italy there with his genius was the same man who left them without the title.

The tactical mind behind Italy's 1994 campaign. Leading Italy at his first World Cup 4 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss under Sacchi.